'The Memory of Water' will be staged at State Theatre

Several members of the cast of 'The Memory of Water,' are, from left, Elle Morgan, Amanda Silliker, Julia Albertson and Sunam Ellis.

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STATE COLLEGE — The Next Stage Theatre Company will present “The Memory of Water,” a play by Shelagh Stephenson from July 19 through July 29 at the State Theatre in State College.

The preview show will be held at 8 p.m. on July 19. There will also be shows on July 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., July 22 at 2 p.m., July 27 at 8 p.m., July 28 at both 2 and 8 p.m. and July 29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the preview show are $10. Regular show tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for students and seniors.

Stephenson is a writer for the popular television series “Downtown Abbey.”

Critics have said: “both gloriously funny and deeply felt…Indeed, 'The Memory of Water' is so funny that it appears at first to be pure black comedy, with the newly bereaved sisters indulging wildly in witty bickering and … dress-ups…Their quarrels over the funeral arrangements, their well-worn family roles, their unsatisfactory men, and their mixed memories of a highly feminine working-class mother are hilarious…In 'The Memory In Water' Shelagh Stephenson skillfully charts the joyous and painful territory of family relationships with insight and compassion.”

The play was the winner of the British Tony — the Olivier Award — for best new comedy.

The State College production will be directed by Richard Biever. Jay Shuchter and Mary Skees, producing artistic directors of The Next Stage Theatre Company in State College, chose this play

because it presents a complex family situation honestly and incisively, and asks whether there are limits to love, trust and forgiveness. They felt that this theme would resonate with our community at this time.

Tickets can be purchased in the studio at the State Theatre in State College, online at www.thestatetheatre.org or by phone at (814) 272-0606.